Amid the possibility of the Miami Heat's first playoff series against LeBron James, a pair of ESPN personalities have released a book that includes reflections on James' 2014 NBA free-agency departure from South Florida.

Included in "Return of the King" by Brian Windhorst and Dave McMenamin, are references to the Heat's concerns of reducing their exposure to the NBA's luxury tax, and how James vetted suitors about being more willing to absorb such financial encumbrances. The Heat had utilized an amnesty clause to release James ally Mike Miller a year before James' departure.

There also was a reference to the Heat acquiring UConn point guard Shabazz Napier in the first round of the 2014 NBA Draft weeks prior to free agency to appease James.

"Riley would later criticize James for misleading the Heat when it came to Napier, who ended up being traded after one unsuccessful season in Miami," the passage read.

Of Riley's meeting with James in Las Vegas in July 2014 prior to the forward's departure, the book notes of the Heat's acquisitions of Josh McRoberts and Danny Granger days earlier, "Riley also talked about how he saw McRoberts and Granger, the new signees, fitting into the team alongside James's favorite player in the draft, Shabazz Napier."

Of that meeting that ended without resolution for the Heat or a decision from James, the authors write, "There were also indications the Heat felt James had already made up his mind and was attempting to make Riley grovel."

There also was a reference to the press conference held by Riley in advance of James' decision to leave the team.

Sun Sentinel's Ira Winderman answers readers' questions from the "Ask Ira" mailbag and talks about the possibility of LeBron James re-joining the Heat.

Sun Sentinel's Ira Winderman answers readers' questions from the "Ask Ira" mailbag and talks about the possibility of LeBron James re-joining the Heat.

"It was strange for Riley to be so cranky," the passage reads. "He was a man who typically presented a front that things were under control and everything happened for a reason, whether it was the truth or not."

Among the book's photos was one of James seated alongside Riley and Arison at the 2014 NBA Finals, with a caption of, "Heat president Pat Riley's 'If you've got the guts' message during a 2014 press conference may have alienated LeBron James on his way out the door. James was also frustrated that Heat owner Micky Arison slowed spending on the roster."

James has since gone on to appear in each of the two NBA Finals with the Cleveland Cavaliers since his free-agency departure from the Heat, winning the championship last season after winning titles with the Heat in 2012 and '13.

With the Cavaliers likely to finish at the top of East and the Heat fighting for one of the lower seeds in the conference, it is possible the teams could meet in the best-of-seven opening round of the NBA playoffs, starting the weekend of April 15-16.

James sat out the Cavaliers' first visit of the season to AmericanAirlines Arena on March 4, with the Cavaliers also to visit on April 10, two nights before the end of the regular season. The Heat are 2-1 against the Cavaliers this season, with the franchises having never met in the playoffs.